Resources to help the porn addict achieve mind renewal abound. The literature describes a variety of approaches. All with an eye toward short-circuiting the flesh. Anything that can distract the flesh, for even the briefest of moments, is a possible candidate.
CHRISTIAN LITERATURE: CURRENT PRACTICE AND THOUGHT
Perhaps motivated by David’s use of the harp to calm Saul’s troubled spirit (I Samuel 16:14-23), some have suggested listening to music. Other suggestions include exercise, diving into a hobby, meditation, reading, and journaling. All that I reviewed insisted on incorporating an accountability partner or group at some point in the short-circuiting process.
MIND RENEWAL WITH ACCOUNTABILITY
Can accountability aid in the healing process? Absolutely. As of this writing, the Conquer Series by KingdomWorks reports helping more than 2 million men heal in 100-plus different countries [1]. To each individual comfortable with becoming part of a sexual purity accountability group, I say, “Join a Conquer Series Group in your city today.”
“BUT...” SAY THE 83%
But most Christian men struggling with porn will not seek the help of an accountability partner or group. In a survey of persons wanting to quit porn, participants were asked whether they had anyone in their life helping them to quit. A whopping 83% confessed to having no one [2]. For these individuals, the Shame Factor is too high. Too high for them to go public with their sin problem and seek accountability-based help. 83% of persons wanting to quit porn are still looking for a mind renewal option that does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group.
A MIND RENEWAL OPTION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ENLISTING THE AID OF AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER OR GROUP
Can healing also be accomplished apart from an accountability group? Yes, as described in this series of blogs. Mind renewal is not the exclusive domain of accountability partners/groups. The still-struggling may simply need to learn how to step up the degree to which they are “walking in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). The still-struggling may simply need to drop the passivity (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/drop-the-passivity-v9), and learn how to actively pursue more regular relationship intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn how to renew their minds by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
The still-struggling 83% now have another option. The still-struggling 83% now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from temptation and resulting sin (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
REFERENCES
1. Conquer Series: The Battle Plan for Purity (the 2 million men statistic is reported on their Home Page at https://www.conquerseries.com/)
2. The Porn Phenomenon: The Impact of Pornography in the Digital Age, Barna Group, Ventura, CA, page 112 (83% determined as the average of 79% for Teens & Young Adults and 87% for Adults Age 25 and Older), 2016
